2014 was an absolutely amazing year filled with a smashin' amount of highlights.
Most of the important things I've learnt revolves around family, friendship, faith, myself and love.
I'm pretty proud to say I grew up a lot in a year. Thank God for that. I saw the world through a different pair of eyes. I saw what I wanted to be, what I didn't want to be; I saw through lies and plastic, love & be loved, learnt through pain and hurting. Whatever it was that I went through, I came out stronger and that's what counts.
As nearly 3 quarters of 2014 had been about waiting for my September intake in college, I used those amazing months to learn more about the world and myself. Yes, I played more music and i picked up cooking too if you're wondering. There had been people who implied in conversations that I was wasting 8 months of my life doing nothing. I totally disagree because I think those 8 months were probably the most relaxing time of my life. Those 8 amazing months were spent exploring myself. Literally, learning more about myself. I had not as much external pressure, my parents were amazing, they don't push or pressure me because they know I don't need to be pushed and pressure. One of the best blessed thing is that my parents have never pushed or pressured me to chase someone elses' dreams but to pursue mine and I am so blessed to have them. I know some other parents do that to their kids and honestly that isn't cool because at the end of the day, it is the child that will work that particular "9-5" job and there is nothing worse than going to a place to do a job and have a career you didn't want every single day.
I did an IELTs class at British Council KL & then my IELTs test. It was pretty cool meeting people from around the world and all. Loved it!
I enjoyed my part time job at Kidzania KL for a few months where it definitely strengthened me. One of the sad things I learnt there is that "the customer is always right". I swear i used to think Gandhi or whoever was kidding, until I had to apologise sincerely through gritted teeth with a genuinely fake smile for things that were beyond my control on a number of different occasions. Sigh, it's true, the customer is always right
even if they're wrong. Of course there had been work politics as well, racially and politically but as I said, it strengthened me.
I read. I read a lot. Even more. I read tons of books I didn't get the chance to in high school. I'm glad I did because even though I come off as a bookworm, I love the knowledge and wisdom of the ages and nothing could take that away.
I hung for a week in Singapore with my aunt and that was where I realised I need to ensure I land an extremely high-paying job. This is because of my expensive taste in accommodation, food, labels, confectionary-you name it!
I joined the 97s on their trip to Malacca as well and that was pretty amazing. Bonding with the juniors had been cool. That was where I learnt that Malacca is a creepy place.
Oh, and of course there was chaperoning the juniors in their debate and helping them out just a wee bit here and there. That made me realise that most people are small-minded-overly-conservative bigots because apparently my skirt was "too short". As i had to dress professionally, I wore a pencil-skirt lookalike (which was under the office-clothing section in M&Spencer) and a white and light pink spotted button up along with a blazer and heels. Apparently, my skirt was inappropriate regardless to the universal fact that it was an office apparel. Sighhh.
I also took an epic trip to Penang with the gang and stayed on to see my extended family towards the last few months. We went for a very, very nice dinner (wink-wink*) Oh, that trip opened my heart to appreciate cars more since public transport in Penang, especially the bus was unreliable. Ghee and Sharon had me over and we hung out and it was amaze-balls. Then I bunked @ Chimpo's. She's the best grand-aunt who's not even that old. I swear she doesn't look her age! I wish i will age gracefully like her when i'm 60. Then of course there's my E, Koo & dear Kong. They are the bomb. Gawd, I'm pretty sure I put on weight during that trip.
Of course, even though I'm out of the academic scene for about 8 months, I still had a ridiculous amount of teenage drama. Half of that drama was caused by young adults, adults, old people. I admit I was pretty upset about it but then again it all made me stronger. So, one of my New year resolutions is to stop being nice to those who don't appreciate it. Looking back, I only have myself to blame for the bitches who've been so nasty to me, I gave them an open door to be mean and step on me by being submissive and being too nice. I am now only going to be nice to those who deserve it. Lesson learnt.
Let's not forget all the birthday parties, house parties and surprise parties-and oh- the hangouts, movie days, joyrides, late night snacking, sleepovers, midnight meals, excessive shopping & bitching! Each and every single one of the get-togethers meant a lot to me. My friends have been absolutely amazing. They're such a blessing in my life. I have no time to list every single person out but if I've told you that you meant alot to me, or if I've hugged you and didn't let go, or if I've said "love ya, love you long time" or insulted you playfully, or told you I missed you, consider yourself in my heart. It's not easy to find friends that have the same interests or views and it's even harder to find friends with the same frequency, chemistry and bromance. I love you guys tons.
Oh, brightest highlight of the year so far was 26th August 2014. The flight that marked a new beginning of another chapter in my life. Life in UK is absolutely amazing. I'm so happy with everything! The fresh air, lifestyle and scenery are all doing me good. I met tons of people from different backgrounds and cultures. Racist, non-racist, friendly, hostile, bitchy for no reason, users, liars, sweethearts, you name it! I also spent October break & New Year's Eve in London with Aunty Li & Swee. It was so amazing! Love them tons!
I get people asking me If I miss my parents and my friends, of course I miss them but we Skype and talk a lot. A LOT. So yes I miss them but I'll survive. It's not a matter where *SOBS* I MISS MY PARENTS *CRIES*. It's a normal missing them, where you can survive. And oh, i'm not homesick. HEE. Thank God. My host family here are absolutely the best. I regret to inform those who claim that they have the best host family that they are wrong. Mine are just THE best. I also had tons of firsts in UK. For example, I had an actual picnic on the Great Orme overlooking the town, it was really fun. I had my first Halloween @ Im's where i went as a Vampire. I also had my first proper Christmas and saw how the magic worked, it's honestly a Parent's love and determination that makes it work. I had my first ever Boxing day celebration with ice-snow outside which was amazing. Oh, plus I actually study in the school's library. Seriously, don't laugh. It's an actual library with books. Honestly, I don't care that I come off as a nerd at times. Work hard, play hard. Play big or go home.
My extended and immediate family have been well amazing. My parents have been the best. They are so loving and supportive. Most parents would freak that their kid is halfway around the globe, they didn't. They allowed me to spread my wings and fly. Thank God, for absolutely everything. I never thought I'd be in UK for my A-levels. I honestly never thought it would have been possible. As i said, thank God.
Of course, let's not forget that special person that taught me to love again. That special person that makes me a better person inside out. That special person that accepts me for me, my flaws and imperfections. Thank you, for being such a blessing in my life.
That was my 2014 in a nutshell. I'm looking forward to an even better 2015 and what God has in store for me!
Cheers, Ace.
